Fender bridge pickup comparisons [Archive]

sliberty

May 24th, 2012, 07:46 PM

So, I built a blackguard Esquire using a Fender 52 RI pickup, and I built a double bound Tele Custom using a Fender 62 RI piskup set.

I play a lot of blues, and rock, and a little rockabilly. The Esquire just sounded better overall. More balls, rounder sound, and less of that thin, scratchy characteristic that some call Rattiness. The Tele Custom was brighter, thinner, needed a boost for blues, etc.

it wasn't clear to me whether or not the pickup was the issue, since the Tele Custom had other differences.Threaded steel rod saddles instead of brass, rosewood fretboard instead of maple, etc.

But I suspected the pickup, and so I bought another 52RI and installed it.

Well, I was right. This turned my Tele Custom from a country guitar into a blues guitar. And for just $50.

I will hold onto the 62 bridge pickup just in case I ever start a Grateful Dead band. But for now, it is in the closet.


	Telecaster Guitar Forum > Other Discussion Forums > Just Pickups > Fender bridge pickup comparisons PDA Fender bridge pickup comparisons sliberty May 24th, 2012, 07:46 PM So, I built a blackguard Esquire using a Fender 52 RI pickup, and I built a double bound Tele Custom using a Fender 62 RI piskup set. I play a lot of blues, and rock, and a little rockabilly. The Esquire just sounded better overall. More balls, rounder sound, and less of that thin, scratchy characteristic that some call Rattiness. The Tele Custom was brighter, thinner, needed a boost for blues, etc. it wasn't clear to me whether or not the pickup was the issue, since the Tele Custom had other differences.Threaded steel rod saddles instead of brass, rosewood fretboard instead of maple, etc. But I suspected the pickup, and so I bought another 52RI and installed it. Well, I was right. This turned my Tele Custom from a country guitar into a blues guitar. And for just $50. I will hold onto the 62 bridge pickup just in case I ever start a Grateful Dead band. But for now, it is in the closet.